Hawaii to become first US state to use 100% renewable power and eliminate fossil fuels

A new bill is awaiting approval that sets out Hawaii's ambitions to be 100% self-sufficient by 2045(HTA)

Hawaii is bidding to become the first state in the United States to generate 100% of its power from renewable energy sources.

A bill passed by the Hawaii Legislature sets the goal of removing fossil fuels from its energy portfolio by 31 December, 2045.

"The legislature finds that Hawaii's dependency on imported fuel drains the state's economy of billions of dollars each year," the bill states.

"A stronger local economy depends on a transition away from imported fuels and toward renewable local resources that provide a secure source of affordable energy."

Hawaii imports around 93% of its energy, meaning electricity prices are around 175% of the US average. Under the bill "clean" power would be generated through a combination of hydroelectric, wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydrogen fuel cells and tidal energy.

The bill is currently awaiting approval from Governor David Ige and if passed will extend Hawaii's Clean Energy Initiative.

The bill outlines two prior goals to be reached before becoming entirely self-sufficient: 30% renewable power by 31 December, 2020, and 70% renewable power by 31 December, 2040.

"This is a significant step in our effort toward reducing Hawaii's dependence on expensive imported oil and putting the state on the path toward greater energy, environmental and economic security," said Mark Glick, Hawaii State Energy Office administrator.

Hawaii is following in the steps of several other US states in implementing renewable energy targets, albeit less ambitious ones.

California is aiming to cut emissions to 40% below 1990 levels within the next 15 years, while New York has an "80 by 50" plan to cut 1990 emissions by 80% before 2050.